This and That: 2019 Skate America (Anna Shcherbakova, Nathan Chen, Elizaveta tuktamysheva)

[@claudsk33]

TIMESTAMPS: 2:14 - Jonathan being right next to Eteri and Diana! + Vegas gambling 3:44 - Dave seeing Eteri 4:48 - Dave seeing Danii G LADIES: 5:10 - Overall impressions + Vegas as a location + seeing O 10:28 - Intro + Karen Chen 15:33 - Yi Christy Leung + bad music (Hubbell & Donohue, Mako Yamashita) 16:23 - Amber Glenn ft. Kaori Sakamoto & Tonya Harding 21:55 - Wakaba Higuchi 23:09 - Elizaveta Tuktamysheva 29:19 - Kaori Sakamoto ft. Bradie Tennell 32:15 - JPN vs RUS 33:05 - Eteri’s girls: 3A vs. Zagitova + Russian ladies field 34:26 - Anna Shcherbakova 42:17 - Eunsoo Lim 47:22 - GPF prospects ft. Bradie Tennell 49:16 - Bradie Tennell ICE DANCE: 52:26 - Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue 1:01:54 - Alexandra Stepanova & Ivan Bukin 1:04:07 - Laurence Fournier Beaudry & Nikolaj Sorensen 1:05:23 - Olivia Smart & Adrian Diaz 1:07:23 - Christina Carreira & Anthony Ponomarenko ft. other US dance teams 1:09:21 - Caroline Green & Michael Parsons PAIRS: 1:09:50 - Pairs intro 1:10:20 - Peng Cheng & Jin Yang 1:10:41 - Ashely Cain-Gribble & Tim Leduc ft. the Knierims & other US pairs 1:17:17 - Jessica Calalang & Brian Johnson 1:18:02 - Daria Pavliuchenko & Denis Khodykin 1:20:05 - back to Peng Cheng & Jin Yang TANGENTS: 1:21:37 - Dave’s anecdote about Mike and his snacking habits 😂 1:23:15 - Gambling! Casino! 1:25:16 - the new Meryl Streep movie MENS: 1:26:00 - Men’s overview + Dmitri Aliev 1:28:26 - being on a group text with Jonathan + Nathan Chen 1:32:50 - Jason Brown 1:38:28 - Tracy Wilson’s “look” ft. Junhwan Cha, Jason Brown, Yuzuru Hangu 1:40:12 - Dave getting dished with Robin Wagner & Nikolai Morozov tea ft. Junhwan Cha, Brian Orser 1:42:37 - Michal Brezina 1:43:14 - Rafael Artyunyan: who’s he spending his time on? + his man-spreading 1:44:34 - Keegan Messing 1:46:52 - Alexei Krasnozhon 1:47:40 - Kazuki Tomono 1:48:25 - Nathan Chen’s FP footwork 1:49:09 - back to Kazuki ft. Eunsoo and their need for a Russian coach banging guards on the barrier 1:51:06 - Boyang Jin ft. Yi Christy Leung SKATE CANADA PREVIEW: 1:52:29 - Skate Canada overview 1:52:46 - SC Mens field 1:53:07 - SC Ladies field 1:53:33 - SC Pairs field 1:54:01 - SC Dance field MOMENT OF THE WEEK & CLOSING: 1:56:14 - Jonathan’s MoM 1:56:50 - Dave’s MoM (I 100% heard you yell for Shcherbakova on the ISU livestream!!) 1:57:10 - Closing remarks

[@natalysimmons6929]

Thank you🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lourenz.oviedo]

Dave’s face is everything!! 😂🤣

[@UshastayaMrs]

♥️♥️♥️

[@loveyunakim]

Thank you so much!!!

[@biari8599]

you're a gem

[@dannyfromthebay2940]

Eteri caught me checking her out while Anna was in warmups during short program. She gave me a sultry look and winked at me and I freaked out and looked away real quick. She just exudes confidence. I now have a crush!

[@benbailey159bb]

Priceless x

[@ciannaveturius7716]

Haha wow 😂

[@danicaz1163]

i would really, really have wanted to see that!

[@user-jy8zb2wc8l]

I nominate this comment for a TSL Like - gold!

[@magnoliabranca5149]

Danny Capps 😂😂😂😂😂

[@morganalayna4247]

Anna is seriously the most adorable little thing I’ve ever seen, I love her so much!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Peggy Fleming would love that face.

[@sparkl121]

Living for the Eteri comments. "The face didn't really move, but she was resembling joy."

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Just an observation ;)

[@joanneolsen5635]

sparkl121 lol

[@clcamden6489]

“Petting the dog to show humanity” is what got me 😹❣️

[@027dramaqueen]

“She was wearing a glittery cross like the good Catholic girl she is”

[@Jontor11]

My moment of the week was of course Shcherbakova. Those 4Lzs! Dang! I was so nervous before her skate I had to pour up a glass of wine - and it was 7 in the morning! I was so happy for Anna, and impressed by her excellent English! That interview was the cutest thing.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It was my moment too! My daughter and her English are wonderful.

[@garysimmons1485]

TheSkatingLesson ,,when I saw her interview, I was quite surprised how good her English was.

[@LaChicaMadrilena]

I'm only 4:48 into the video and already dying of laughter at Eteri showing humanity by petting a dog.

[@taylorpowers3401]

my favorite part

[@bx7146]

My moment of the week was that beautiful save from Stepanova when she picked up her OWN DAMN COSTUME off the ice and stealthily tucked it away like nothing. Oh and the two quad lutzes obviously

[@TheSkatingLesson]

B X 🎉🎉🎉

[@laudese]

Did they end up getting a deduction?

[@10skyblue]

Was it after the short?

[@laudese]

@@10skyblue during the rhythm dance

[@jesuisleslie8509]

It's hilarious how you guys and some people dislike Eteri and her "methods", and yet you can't stop talking about her. That's how important, and valuable she is! 🥰 #respect

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

The issue with Eteri is that her methods aren't healthy. We had Julia with anorexia, Evgenia stating she wasn't eating healthy enough so it led to injuries, and it can possibly go on with Anna or Sasha. of course people will talk about it, because it's controversial and simply- not sustainable for athletes. So just because people are talking about Eteri, doesn't make her a better coach

[@morganalayna4247]

Je suis Leslie Look at what happened to Yulia. How many of her skaters make it to 17 and are still successful? And without health problems?

[@LisaAllyssa]

Hannibal Justin Case in Russia, it does not matter who brings the medal. Eteri has well run machine that produce winners. Athlete’s health is her/his concern. I am surprised by parents who allow this to happen.

[@lucystoeva72]

Yulia developed the anorexia with Urmanov, long after she left Eteri. Yes, her unhealthy habits might have started earlier, but she has never said anything about Eteri influencing her in that respect. Besides, Yulia has always been very strong minded and independent. I am not saying Eteri is innocent and I blame all the grown ups around Yulia for her short carreer, including her mom, but we can‘t simply blame Eteri and distort the facts. She lost 10 kg for a short period of time in 2016, while training with Urmanov. Later checked in for treatment and retired.

[@Helen-me1vn]

Both Anna's parents were with her in Skate America. Unlike many of the other Russian ladies (ie Alina), Anna's family is very well off for Russian standards and educated, they don't need to rely on her financially if she is successful. They're physics professors/programmers. Anna said in an interview that her parents tried to convince her to quit skating and focus on her studies, but she refused because she loves the sport. Very different situations than Alina, Yulia, etc.

[@Olga___864]

I think that we can not be so strict about Alina's parents also. Because her father is a sportsmen and coach also and the respectful person in his city. And i definitely think that it is how the family environment helps to overcome the difficulties, because her family understands the psychology of sport and didn't make the same mistake like Julia's and Evgenia's mothers did.

[@Helen-me1vn]

@@Olga___864 Of course, nothing wrong with Alina's father's career. He is a coach and seems like a nice guy. But financially, they are not at the same place as Anna's. Look at Alina's parents' apartment in Moscow, no bedrooms, only living room she shared with her grandmother, and no real bed. Even Alina said before she was on national team, she had to sleep on a sofa at training camp because they couldn't afford a hotel room. And they couldn't afford a new dress for JGP so she borrow Evgenia's old dress. Just different situations, because Anna's family has a lot more money.

[@Olga___864]

@@Helen-me1vn i understand what you mean, but i dont really think that the problem that they dont go to competition with her now is about money. Both Alina and Zhenya have their place in the Russian female Forbs, so she deffinetely can buy tickets for her parents to her competitions. But of course they have different backgrounds in their money situation, but it doesn't make them worser then Anna's parents. The problem is that physicians/programmers have better salaries. I watched the interview with Alina's father, he seems to be intelligent person and of course did everything for her daughter to open her talent, as much as Anna's parents did to their daughter.

[@kcesca]

And then in the middle of the spectrum you've got Alena's parents, who still view her figure skating as a hobby and leave her to get on with it by herself. I just find the psychology of their family dynamics so fascinating.

[@Olga___864]

@@kcesca and we can speak about Sasha's parents also, because she also has a sportive background and her father has qualifications in three kind of oriental combat sport.

[@vicserra2485]

The difference between you and other people who talk about FS ((first you don't block me in socials (Fran) because i don't agree with everything you say... you accept any opinion)) is that you give your opinion in such a honest way but at the same time without "hate or resentment" "without bad blood" to any skater, you say when you don't like something or when someone is not so good but you are also realistic and recognize when someone does things right or recognizes the "quad girls", how awesome and hardworking they are.... And it's a pleasure to hear you, I don't agree with you in somethings but it's always very interesting to hear your opinion.... by far the best show-review about FS

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you

[@moondim7]

@@lfmesquite4548 🤣 4 eyed pickle nose LOL 😁 Sometimes You are so mean but funny! She's just mean and I agree with you, it seems like she has something personal against Eteri and her team

[@birdtiredoflife5360]

@@lfmesquite4548 Dude she banned you for a good reason since you went after her looks instead of being constructive about her opinions. I disagree with her ALOT yet you were so pathetic you went after her looks?? Grow up

[@ЕвгенияПозднякова-л7ы]

Why would you think that Anna Shcherbakova is coerced or intimidated into performing at such level and lacks any personal ambition except to please her coaches?! It’s so far from the truth. She is smart and well-bred and educated))

[@MsFinalultimatum]

also i heard that her parents are loaded so I really don't think that she goes out there with thoughts about providing food on the table. She is obviously very ambitious and very exited to fight and i am SO here for that fight. What a season ahead, my god

[@vesnaklanac4437]

I think it was just Dave being Dave. Joking in his own way, because it's such a cliche that not only accomplished athletes from the former Soviet Union, but their families as well, were heavily rewarded for the medals won at international competition. It was the same in all other communist countries, mine included, and of course China. Eastern Europeans, all.of us, used to joke about that too even though it wasn't funny at all, like: oh dear, he just made a mistake. Definitely Siberia bound". I would say Dave is in fact pro-Russian😂😂😂😂. He just can not admit it. Imagine there were no gorgeous Russian female skaters, he would have little to comment on. He likes them.slim snd beautiful. Have you noticed how Dave is very careful when describing other girls who do not fit into the category. So every skater who is short-legged and chuby is called "strong and powerful". Hilarious, right? But that is very xmart of him. With the world army of activists advocating "women with curves" in figure skating and gymnastics. I am thinking of starting a movement of short people be allowed to play in the NBA.

[@coletterobichaud3465]

Well-bred?

[@vesnaklanac4437]

@@coletterobichaud3465 i guess she meant she was raised well, has good manners. English is not her mother tongue.

[@justynazokiewska8223]

For me StepBukins deserve a big kudos. Their coach said in the media post even that due to Sasha's back injury they've been training properly pre event only about 3 weeks and program's have been done really last minute (I think it applies especially to the FD. I've got the impression that they've been skating it really carefully) and their coaching team wanted them to WD from SA but they wanted to go there and perform.

[@a9029k]

Justyna Żółkiewska typical coachspeak

[@goldendelicious7155]

Politicking.

[@lanaefremova3443]

As soon as Anna left the ice, Etery gave her a hug and said "You're my champion" ( Russians did the lip reading)

[@Gorniachka]

I heard: "You are the hero!" Ты герой!

[@yuriy9179]

​@@Gorniachka and more accurately: "Today, you are the hero" ("Сегодня - герой")

[@sywillis62]

First time I saw Anna Shcherbakova skate was this competition. I thought ‘oh dear another Russian jumping bean’. But I like her! Her FS was nice and she smiled through the whole program. And her English is good and so endearing. Rare to see the Russian girls interview in English. I know she is fragile and deals with nerves but I hope she can prepare herself for the brutality of this season because it will be rough!🙏🏾😘

[@flying372]

She is from a rich family

[@kaitlynclem5967]

Anna has a private English tutor, I believe.

[@morganalayna4247]

Markus Walberg You’d have to be to afford Eteri.

[@morganalayna4247]

I know, she’s so cute. I enjoy watching her much more than Trusova.

[@flying372]

@@morganalayna4247 they train for free

[@quasarbeam-maple]

38:57 Anna’s mom and dad were both there to support her in Las Vegas

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Mary Farah Lagudas that is great!

[@newmakeuplover81]

I saw Eteri by the pool with Diana and I had to do a double take. Her face barely moved, but she looked fabulous. I saw Jonathan at breakfast, but was too afraid to say anything, but he looked great too!

[@027dramaqueen]

give more detail on Eteri and Diana by the pool please!!

[@SavannahRidout]

I had an elevator moment with Eteri that although nothing happened and we chuckled briefly about elevator antics, I needed to sit down after it.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Savannah Ridout we require details about her elevator antics. A viewer told us that they told us that they congratulated her on her success and she replied, “Yes, I am great.”

[@SavannahRidout]

From the lobby going up, it was the two of us and a clueless elderly man - he wanted to be chatty and talk about our days and the weather and we did not. He got off before both of us, and I pressed the close door button comically a few times and said “too many words”. She smiled (mostly) and got off. What brings me great comfort is I believe the man thought we were vacationing together.

[@nataliaivanova1035]

TheSkatingLesson, is the viewer sure she did not say “Yes, Anna is great” ? I heard her giving this answer several times in Russian, so it would make sense if she said the same in English. With her Russian accent the phrases would sound very similar.

[@kemrys9957]

I’m glad you guys also felt that Anna’s quads and skating are impressive and exciting irl

[@TheSkatingLesson]

K Emrys 💯

[@rahelhorvat1471]

I think Eteri hypnotises them when they bum their short, so that's how they never fail to deliver in their free skate.

[@НаталияКороль-ъ3у]

Sorry but y'all are WAY off with your comments on Daniil and Eteri - they were comforting Anna after her sp. It's not in Russian nature to smile when we are not happy and of course they were upset for her so did not pretend to be happy and fake. If you can't speak Russian, don't assume what they're saying because it's way off most of the time bc of facial expressions lol.

[@НаталияКороль-ъ3у]

@@evanperilstein5308 that's just the Botox lol she's overjoyed inside I'm sure))

[@Helen-me1vn]

Without being in the camp, Anna seems to be the favourite. No issues with that as she's my favourite as well. She's been with Eteri the longest and she seems to be the closest to Eteri. Anna all seems to be the most level headed of Eteri's girls, she always gives very eloquent answers in her interviews and doesn't seem overly emotional like Alina and Alena when she has bad skaters, probably a quality that is important to Eteri. Daniil shows a clear preference for Anna, imo. That makes sense as well because as a choreographer, you would love to work with someone with a musicality and understanding of movements and nuances that highlight the music. It's a choreographer's dream. It's also why she gets all the classical programs; you need amazing musicality for that style. Also a big part of Eteri being at Skate America is because her daughter trains there, I'd assume. It was a good chance to visit her, and she did per her instagram.

[@roxystaranl94]

Her daughter doesn't train in Vegas, she was born there!

[@Helen-me1vn]

@@roxystaranl94 Diana and her partner now train in the USA.

[@Helen-me1vn]

@B. Eteri looks pissed when her skaters make mistakes. She wasn't pissed that Sasha lost, she was pissed because she fell. The same face when any of the skaters fall. Look at videos of their practice sessions, you'll see her attitude towards Anna is different than the others. And in JGPF last year when Anna botched her short, Eteri was holding her hand in the K&C and was supportive (for her). I think it's because Anna doesn't need the push like other skaters, she wants to skate for herself and knows what she has to improve. She seems to be the most rational.

[@mai6018]

Of course you’d want your favorite to be a skater you trained from the beginning, not someone who got their basics somewhere else and already came to you a complete package.

[@027dramaqueen]

Sasha is clearly Eteri's favorite and Anna is clearly Daniil's favorite. Plain facts.

[@eljj7968]

Moment of the week was Kaori’s short programme - absolutely loved everything about it. I also loved her free, I hope she can skate it clean at some point.

[@eljj7968]

Oh and Keegan’s short! Beautifully skated and so touching, I cried at the end.

[@goldburnm]

Here is my must see TV! Thanks for all of your hard work TSL. You're the best.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@benbailey159bb]

I don't see quads being added to the SP for ladies because no one will vote yes except Russia because the other countries know it would disadvantage their skaters

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Ben Bailey Whatever Russia wants... They already shifted the pairs rules and values in their favor. Have faith. We aren’t dealing with amateurs.

[@leicak8504]

Tell that to Alysa Liu

[@Olga___864]

I think the quads in female skating is an experiment not only for Russia but for ISU also, they will wait if the World adjusts to them or not. Because triple jumps were also the experiment in past. I think they will look if this generation saves this jumps after puberty without complete problems to health and after that they decide to let women do the quads or not.

[@morganalayna4247]

Leica K Her quads are lackluster. Russians’ aren’t good either, but Liu doesn’t stand a chance in seniors right now.

[@Olga___864]

@@morganalayna4247 i could not really understand why people are so strict to these quads, they are not male quads and all of them including Alysa are pioneers. Alysa with Kamila are even younger than the rest and they are not even teenagers, they are kids. Many people are so strict to Eteri, but themselves are searching underrotations in junior skating and the ''smartest" ones even manage to write this silly comments under posts where these kids are tagged and which these kids like. I think the judges know their work better, sometimes they make strange decisions, but they deffinetely try to move the sport forward

[@alemoreno3655]

Screamed when I got the notification

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjoy!

[@valeriehilen2875]

I so so agree about H/B! I am still waiting to be wowed like I was 2 years ago by their programs. And it’s too bad, because they are amazing, but their choices fall flat. Marylin, come on.

[@CL-er4cn]

And her RD dress does nothing except accentuate Madison's body shape in the wrong kind of way

[@grisgris6908]

@@CL-er4cn Yes! Madison has such a strong, beautiful body and sometimes her costumes just don't flatter

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

Agree with every comment on this thread. I had all the same thoughts as I was watching.

[@Hpatootf]

I saw you screaming behind Anna. The excitement was real

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Taylor Crosby 🔥🔥🔥

[@denalihedgehog]

36:20 Eteri was actually looking at both Anna and Daniil in the Kiss'n'Cry, and saying something like "oh, that's ok" when Anna was getting upset. And she also said something like "you're my hero" right after the FS. Idk why people are so biased against her

[@claudsk33]

Timestamps in progress!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you!

[@annfotlyan8655]

Who the hell doesn't like a classic layback and spiral? Those are the trademarks of beautiful skating

[@avg18]

I know!!!!!

[@bonnie9131]

I love them! They should be required.

[@morganalayna4247]

I love them because it shows balance! Imagine doing a bunch of jumps and then trying to have to control your balance during a spiral, or not fall over backwards during a layback.

[@biari8599]

I HATE spirals with a passion actually, incredibly boring, always have to fast forward through them, thank god the required spiral sequence for women finally got scratched! (also, what kind of sexist crap was that!) But I certainly prefer a classic Layback to a Biellmann or that useless catchfoot layback position

[@anaksimandran]

Daria Pavliuchenko and Denis Khodykin made GP final last year. Also Daria trained as a single skater with Tutberidze and is Kostornaya's friend.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

anaksimandran well, as long as she is friends with Kostornaia, we love her ;)

[@kcesca]

She didn't train with Eteri, she auditoned for the team with with Alena and it was actually Eteri who told her she was better suited to pairs than singles.

[@lucystoeva72]

Evan Perilstein Why? She has obviously been right and Daria has a good career now instead of wasting her time in singles.

[@lisa-lisa-lisa]

HD could have a whole smash program and she can keep the Marilyn character if she wants to. NO ONE ASKED for my heart belongs to daddy.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Lisa Critzer agreed. Let Hubbell be your star!

[@lisa-lisa-lisa]

@@TheSkatingLesson THAT should be main part of their RD

[@mr_rz8471]

Anna's parents were at Vegas with her so they will fly back to Moscow together.

[@lenavinogradova950]

I wouldn't count Medvedeva down just yet, especially before she even skated her very first Grand Prix assignment. I mean I know she did have a huge meltdown in China (after she had been sick with a flu and missed two weeks of practice). But if my memory serves me correctly she did all right for herself at Autumn Classic, and if I am not mistaken her point total for that event would have put her above Bradie at Skate America. Plus she has much more to loose than Bradie does really. She like Elizaveta probably knows at this point that she is not going to make the world team this season because quite frankly it is pretty much impossible to beat the new girls from Eteri camp this year. It's going to be them and everybody else it seems. All I am saying that if she realizes that the Grand Prix final is going to be her last chance at an international competition this year she will want to make sure that she goes.

[@LisaAllyssa]

I agree, I just can’t get behind the idea that Bradie will score higher then Zhenya. But American skaters do better in US and Canada. Zhenya should up her game for sure, or she will have a very short season.

[@clarissagilligan4414]

@@LisaAllyssa Zhenya naturally has been scored higher in PCs so that's her edge over Bradie from the onset. But then Bradie has superb spins that get max GOEs that the total score is higher than a triple jump BV, compared to Zhenya who almost always has a spin scored only with basic value (no levels). Then the most challenging issue will be if Zhenya lands all her jumps cleanly and with good GOEs - edge problems with the lutz and the dreaded double axels. So yes there's a very high possibility that Bradie can be scored higher than Zhenya - it's not really a mystery and the scenarios mentioned above can happen at any competition around the world.

[@a9029k]

I actually couldn’t disagree more about the Stepanova/Bukin FD. I thought the musical selections fit together seamlessly. That was the most impressive part about the program to me. Yes, their skating is slower and more labored than H/D.

[@selenity08]

I’ve been waiting for this episode, thank you for posting

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Darla Cheung you’re very welcome!

[@spotlightartist1282]

I saw David on the isu streaming of skate America and I swear I screamed and then I saw him react to Anna’s 4lz+3t and his face said it all 🤩

[@FainasO]

Omg thank you for talking about Misha, I'm sorry but he rubs me the wrong way with that coach- choreographer thing on social media. It's like he tried to take all the coach's credit. P.s sorry I sound petty.

[@Lily0713]

It’s sad to see Eunsoo struggling this season with her physical change 😔 I think she did train with Haein Lee in Korea but it seemed more like Haein getting positive influence from Eunsoo’s artistry rather than Eunsoo getting affected by Haein’s jump consistency. By the way, Eunsoo’s last name is prounced as “Im/Yim” in Korean rather than “Lim” so the way they said her name in Gala was also correct. Shcherbakova’s quads were huge and whether her techniques were good or not, I was amazed at that tiny girl. But I could not stop thinking that I, myself a big girl, could easily snap her bones by simply just bumping into her 😂 Anyways, she was a lovely skater who deserved to win the competition. I did enjoy Bradie’s programs except her stiff poses in the middle of SP. Though I do think she deserved the 2nd or 3rd in this competition, I also think she had home advantage as well. Not sure if she can get such huge scores in Skate Canada. I feel like Young You might be able to beat Bradie only if Young performs clean and Bradie makes a few mistakes. I agree that it will probably be Bradie and Evgenia fighting for the bronze. Gorgeous 3As from Tuktamesheva as always, Higuchi’s stunning SP.. Kaori’s “I am gonna slash your necks” move.. It was just... wow.. what a competition! Oh and I love Nathan Chen’s FS so much!! Watching Keegan Messing SP performance almost made me cry.

[@biari8599]

I loved it when Jonathan said, that Jason's SL program is 'too beautiful for this theme/music' (paraphrasing here), because this is similar to what I myself have thought and said too, and I'm glad to see others feel the same way about it. That program looks like it's supposed to be a display of what's classically considered beautiful skating and creating aesthetically pleasing images, and not so much portraying the theme or conveying the emotions of the music. Compare that with Satoko's program f.i., where she's not afraid to look ugly when expressing certain feelings, and she also doesn't make the performance about herself and I get the sense that her body is just a tool to get across the concept of the program, whereas with Jason it feels more like a classic performance and like he's presenting himself. Which is fine of course, if that's what he wants to put out there, and his execution is always very accomplished, but I don't find it as impressive or remarkable from an 'art perspective' because it's more an entertainment angle, to me at least.

[@benbailey159bb]

The problem with Tuktamysheva was that she lost lots from the tech score which is usually her strength. She lost loads of levels and other than the 3As none of the jumps were great - even the 3Lzs which shocked me

[@yohanes2034]

The problem is the GOE that she received for her jumps were arguably too low for the quality. She managed to land 3 axels more consistently and even with more difficult entry in the Skate America but still she only got GOE +1 or +2. Now some of her jumps landing looked wonky but jumps that were landed clean did not get enough GOE. I agree though that she lost points from spins lv and GOE. Now take a look at Anna 4 lutzes, the second one got +2 to +4. Well the landing looked good and you cannot say she used difficult entry for the lutz (if take off technique was judged properly both quads should not get more than +1 GOE). I think the 3 axels craze is starting to diminish because there're skaters who compete with quads.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Yohanes K I judged Liza in real time. I had her at +1 and +2 for everything but the first 3A+2T (+3).

[@benbailey159bb]

@@TheSkatingLesson I agree

[@yohanes2034]

@@TheSkatingLesson I could understand if the judges really used all bullet points and judging criteria correctly. But that night I saw more questionably jumps received higher GOE. If the judging standards were all around the same I would be okay with that. But somehow only her who was being judged very strict.

[@marikafasola8771]

and Anna got +3 and +4 FOR HER QUAD LUTZ WHICH IS NOT A LUTZ AND NOT A QUAD!fucking isu who is payed by russians ...

[@whatlehell6607]

"But I did see Eteri on the night after the event because the Uber pickup line was where the exit for the athletes were and Eteri was a bigger star than Shcherbakova. I mean I don't think Shcherbakova was outside for too long, but the Russian crowd was there to see Eteri - she was the Madonna of the event. I think there are people who say, "why do people talk about her so much?" Because she's the fascinating personality, the the girls are pawns and she's everything. She is freshly botoxed, lips freshly done. She looked great. The face didn't really move but she was resembling joy, I think, after the event she looked relieved. She was in a glittery cross like the good Cathloic girl she is I know good Russian Orthodox Catholic girl and someone had a dog there and she was like petting the dog to show humanity, it was like a golden retriever. It was very performative, she was like looking at us as she pet the dog, it was amazing" I'M LAUGHING SO HARD, EVERYTHING IS SO QUOTABLE HAHAHAHAHA

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@sebrojs]

Those comments about Eteri.. LMAO I’M DYING 😂

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@renren870528]

I have been waiting for this!!!! Thank you guys for your hard work.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@natew5694]

outside the US, I don't think Bradie would have finished ahead of Elizaveta.

[@kcesca]

I do (non-American for disclosure). Her choreo is ingenious for a non-artistic skater. She jumps on the beat, lands on tbe beat, changes spin position on the beat. They couldn't NOT give her high pcs. It's working the system in a similar way Eteri does.

[@flying372]

She definitely is afraid of learning new ultra difficult jumps, quads and axel. With such approach she wont last long

[@morganalayna4247]

Nate W Yes she would. Besides the triple axel, Elizaveta does not have difficult elements.

[@sadhikamenon7670]

I’ve been waiting for this! So excited for your thoughts on Hubbell/Donohue and Stepanova/Bukin!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjoy!

[@danicaz1163]

Don't mind the haters! I for one just want to hear what you honestly think which I hope is true to most of us fans here . I might not agree with some of the things you say or write disagreeable comments but don't worry, I will keep on coming back for new uploads, haha.

[@magnoliabranca5149]

Sai Z agreed I was thinking the same o don’t agree with their views of Tuk versus Tenel but it’s their views!!! And they point out interesting perspectives on both their skating.

[@anaksimandran]

Thank you, guys, for making my day. You really brought your Vegas experience to life here, I could feel it.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

anaksimandran and to think I thought we were low energy.

[@SaintHaHaLOLZ]

Also question.... How on earth did Bradie's stylists manage to find not one, but TWO (2) costumes that make her look frumpy AND childlike AND matronly all at the same time? Why can't they get her to look her age? Or good. Just good. Why can't they get her costumes that make her look good.

[@bethackers5132]

SaintHaHaLOLZ I'm pretty sure they do it deliberately. That Olympic season when she skated to Cinderella (and I think it was her first year as a senior?) it all seemed to fit, it looked like she was this new, talented up and coming superstar that was about 16 but I think she's about 21? Don't get me wrong, I could only dream of doing what she does but there's something very juvenile about her skating and I think they try to cover it with the music and the costumes in the hope people will forget that she should be a fairly seasoned skater

[@mix4715]

She needs to get the advice of whoever styled these korean skaters. All of them seemed to compete who have the best dress and make up. Or may be ask mariah bell stylish, cause she always look good as well.

[@bluedjinn]

Did you see her exhibition costume? That one didn't really work for her, either. Nor did the music.

[@laudese]

I think the blonde hair and bright red dress are a bad combo. Blondes wearing red in general is usually a tacky look. It’s a lot.

[@SaintHaHaLOLZ]

@@laudese I'm sorry but how did they manage to make a hooker dress frumpy. She needs to fire her stylist.

[@OK-hh6dp]

Anna's family is fine and when she had trauma her parents were planning to quit figure skating, but she has insisted on staying, so what you are telling here about her family is a very bad gossip.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

O K you didnt understand what I said about the family...

[@OK-hh6dp]

@@TheSkatingLesson “I felt that Eteri might have pulled it out…what kind of psychological warfare she did. Maybe it’s not positive for Anna’s development overall as a human (person). We also heard from a “coach” that Anna’s requirement is 38 kilos or less, so there’s that….but none of this seems long-term....matters because maybe her parents get an apartment or a car and move on to things.” Okay then, so who have told you about 38 kilos as the requirement? Because she has always been skinny like that and what specifically did you mean by the last phrase that I have quoted specifically from the youtube video?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

O K The way certain coaches can choose to motivate skaters can harm athletes psychologically later on. It is obviously a subject of great debate, but there are many interviews and documentaries where former athletes discuss how coaching methods impacted them later on.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Sev Mev That wasn’t gossiping about anyone’s family. The families of athletes benefit greatly in certain countries where the federation takes a greater cut of earnings from competitions and ice shows.

[@Bnizzofashizzo]

The first part of this had me in tears laughing.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Bnizzofashizzo so glad!!

[@kirstenneville1934]

quads should be allowed in the short! its unfair to not allow them.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I would allow them.

[@morganalayna4247]

Kirsten Neville I feel like the ISU thinks it would create a more unfair advantage to girls with them but...the other countries have to play catch-up somehow. I get so annoyed with American skaters’ lack of advancement sometimes. Stop traveling and doing meet and greets all the time and start WORKING. I just see a “good enough” attitude with them. The USA will never see another Olympic podium at this point if we keep going on like this, so I say allow them!! If that’s what it takes.

[@kirstenneville1934]

yeah i get that the ISU is trying to keep other countries competitive..or maybe theyre just still pretty sexist (men can do quads in the short). either way its unfair. this is competition and quad jumps should absolutely be allowed! and youre right.. itll be a cold day in hell when the american women reach the podium again. the usfsa sux.

[@morganalayna4247]

Kirsten Neville Yep! Gotta love being one of the most privileged countries with unlimited resources and still not coming through.

[@goldburnm]

The Jonathan on group text story is gold. 😂

[@brettmayer247]

It is interesting that Liza almost took your advice and actually changed her entrance for the triple axel

[@flying372]

She watches them too :D

[@elsafrt5540]

“My heart belongs to daddy” is so cringy. It was killing me..

[@kristindobbins9124]

Elsa frt It was absolutely awful! I was hoping it would stop after one or two lines, but it just kept going and going!

[@JackAShepherd]

Still not as bad as the Big Spender lyrics

[@elsafrt5540]

JackAShepherd I think the songs are cringy in their own way: big spender is inappropriate. Trusova poor thing didn’t know the meaning of the words but Eteri in theory knows English. How could she sing off on it? My heart belongs to daddy is cringy when you look at the H/D. In a world where “daddy” is so oversexualied, that song incarnates cringe. Plus the freaking drop waist on that dress.. so unflattering!

[@mai6018]

In my opinion, the short is the only thing that separates the quality of the skaters. It has no fluff and quads like the long, and everyone is pretty much limited to the same technical content, besides, maybe, the triple axel. The short is where you can really see the differences in the skating skills. You can’t really mask an underrotated lutz-loop and poor step sequence with a quad in the short.

[@lucystoeva72]

Mai would you really call a quad „fluff“?!

[@walterwyte01]

4A - Alina, Alexandra, Alena & Anna. Pick one whom you would sacrifice and rule out from Russian National Team for the World Championship if it was your choice.

[@rop888]

It's still Anna. I like her, but she's the weakest of the 4. I think Alina will get a pass for one more year before she loses her PCS advantage to Alena, unless she just implodes.

[@sonyaafa]

You guys are so much fun, thank you! I'm going to share my least favorite/sad moment of the week: Konstantinova's free skate. I think Konstantinova is one of the most beautiful skaters, and I've been wanting her to succeed since her early junior years, so it's so sad that things seem to keep getting worse. It seemed like here the music made it look even worse than it was. Moulin Rouge is very dramatic, which can turn a great skate into an awesome skate. Conversely, it can turn a bad skate into an awful skate. Here, halfway through the skate this program about Moulin Rouge turned into a program about how poorly she was skating. This is going to sound meaner than I mean it, but perhaps skaters who are prone to inconsistency should stay away from overly dramatic music to avoid this situation.

[@kennydreadfuls861]

The closed captioning which is automated says “Crimea River” and that is a moooood.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

KennyDreadfuls lmao

[@LifeofDayy]

😂😂😂

[@dinchik19]

Honestly, when are all these lies about Eteri are going to stop? You said that you enjoyed Anna’s skate so why not just praise her? Why are you making up negative stuff? Eteri always said she loves dogs and that’s why she allows girls to bring their dogs to the skating rink. I heard that she herself is a dog owner. She was not nasty to Anna after short, obviously all three of them got upset and why wouldn’t they? After FP, Eteri hugged Anna for ages and said to her “You are my hero”. Why do you think that Eteri uses physiological abuse to make these girls win? These girls have parents and they come to trainings. Don’t you think that Anna wanted to win for herself? Just because she worked hard for years and dreams of Olympics? You would have Eteri at fault even either way. If she lost, you would have said that Eteri’s technique does not last and she broke under pressure and psychological abuse. When she won, you said that Eteri scared and pressurised her. This is getting beyond ridiculous now.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Dinara Simon I like how you can take zero jokes. If you’re upset about the dog joke, I cannot help you.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Dinara Simon perhaps you are unaware of how Eteri is perceived outside of Russia?

[@dinchik19]

TheSkatingLesson , the jokes stop being funny when they become repetitive and especially when they all have the same very clear message - Eteri is a monster who emotionally abuses her students. You have a lot of followers who listen to you and learn from you , surprise surprise, your instagram account has the most hateful messages from your followers towards Eteri and her students. I wonder why is that?

[@dinchik19]

TheSkatingLesson , i am very much aware as I have been living in UK for the past 15 years.

[@morganalayna4247]

Funny considering her skaters who have left due to injuries/mental illness would say the same thing.

[@erikhai1]

Moment of the week: Kaori's choreo sequence.

[@chipperterri]

Just got home from Las Vegas last night. It was very nice to meet Jonathan( in the gift store) after the competition . I was in the 3rd row. The group of people sitting in my area were Skating Lesson fans and we were having fun guessing the scores ect..Met quite a few skaters. Jason gave me a big hug, he really is very sweet. My personal moment was Nina Mozer sitting at the slot machine right next to the one I was playing..I guess she was lucky for me because I won a $300 Jackpot..All in all it was a really fun 5 days.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

chipperterri amazing!!! Congrats on your earnings. Which machines were you both playing?

[@chipperterri]

We were playing "Dollar Slots".. I had been there about 10 minutes and she came and sat at the machine right next to mine..We talked a bit..She said she enjoyed working with Cain/LeDuc..I told her I was a fan of Max and Tatiana. She was with this young handsome Russian man that I didn't recognize but he was also very nice.Also, speaking of tiny girls..I saw Daria Pavliuchenko in the coffee shop and congratulated her on her medal. She is very tiny and very pretty...

[@alexandramercurio3250]

My friend and I were behind you during the men’s events! Your Tracy comments were so funny

[@LifeofDayy]

Omg I’m so with you on the music choices. They can pick literally anything... and those angsty songs are just sooooooooooo blah. I don’t want to see anyone skate to “Gravity” ever again, at least not outside of an exhibition.

[@Laura-gb1jv]

In a previous episode they called the trend "skating while sad." I vote we make that the official name for this problem.

[@LifeofDayy]

Laura maybe it has something to do with the fact that elite skaters are a little bit sheltered and kind of behind in their social development. By the time their coach is letting them choose their own music, they’re going through their angsty, 13-year-old emo phase... except they’re like 20 years old and we’re now forced to go through it with them. 😩😭😂

[@femaleskater1185]

I'm sorry but for some reason I'm not feeling Jason's schindler program... it just doesn't do anything for me. I'm supposed to want to weep at the end of it (like I did with Yulia Lipnitskaya at the sochi olympics) but all I felt was: meh.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I agree with you.

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

I felt the same too. (For perspective, I am Jewish.) I was expecting so much more. I 100% agree with the analysis in this video. With Satoko's program, I absolutely feel her respect and emotion for the story and what she's representing. To my surprise, I actually found myself feeling slightly resentful of Jason's program (and he's one of my favorite skaters). His did feel like he was using it to get an emotional response without actually understanding the deeper meaning. (Maybe he does get it - I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt - but I didn't feel it here.)

[@SK-oz8yx]

@@Rachel-rs7jn your opinion is interesting, a lot of ppl are trashing Satoko for skating to SL while she's not jewish, while Jason is save because he's jewish. My country had a little to no involvement in WWII (plus i never met a jewish person in my life) so i dont grasp the situation, im afraid to voice an opinion regarding this controversy

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

@@SK-oz8yx I can understand your reticence in voicing an opinion. I feel it's a shame that people are picking on Satoko in particular, especially when hers is so powerful and meaningful. At least three other skaters are using music from Schindler's list this year - wonder if everyone is picking on them too.

[@garysimmons1485]

Maybe Nathan could do a “quick shirt change” when his funky footwork starts , just like Shcherbakova did a “quick dress change” in her free program. 😆 I feel bad for Eunsoo because she is struggling, but I love her programs, and I think she will get it together when it counts. Thrilled with the SP Keegan laid down,,,,, Aliev made some unfortunate mistakes, and ones he doesn’t usually make, but believe he is on the upswing. Yes, Jason skated well, in fact, he can’t skate a much better technical program in the FP, but if you look at his total score of 255 pts, there are Junior Men achieving that now. The men’s event overall was disappointing, except for Nathan,,,,that 4 Flip was amazing!

[@ria3817]

If you compare Jason's total score to other men's total score this season you can see that he got 5th best, just behind Chen, Hanyu, Aymoz and Uno. So maybe junior men can achieve this score level, but senior men very rarely :D

[@garysimmons1485]

Ria 3 ,,,most of the senior men have not skated well and that’s why their point totals are down, My point was that Jason skated pretty much his best, so he has plateaued,,,,we will be seeing point totals over 300 from other senior men.

[@ria3817]

​@@garysimmons1485 Sure. But how many of them will be able to get over 300? 3? 5? After IJS change only TWO men got more than 300 points: Chen and Hanyu. Don't be so harsh on Jason - who still has a room to improve anyway: he missed 3A in SP and doubled Lo in FS. And very probably will include 4S.

[@garysimmons1485]

Ria 3 ,,without at least one quad Jason has no chance at Worlds,,,if he makes it that far. In reality, he needs more than one and hope that others crumble(like they did at Skate America and it was a weak field)Even his 3 axel is inconsistent still.

[@ria3817]

@@garysimmons1485 So you dream about US sweep the podium at Worlds? But you realise that as long as Hanyu is alive there is no such a possibility? ;)

[@kristenjunker1632]

Bradie should look to Mariah and Alissa Czisny for excellent examples of how to design a costume for someone who would look good in anything. They are all slender and well proportioned, so there's really no shortcomings you have to disguise. A dressmaker's dream in many aspects. Skating Mrs. Claus needs some tweaking. If she went dark with her hair, that would certainly make a statement, but I agree- try it out on an app first.

[@scottyminnefabulous]

"she looks like she's lived" "she looked ticked the entire time ... especially when the scores came up... "

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She really does!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Scotty Reynolds Jonathan twisting that to be ‘perspective’ was also a true gem.

[@10skyblue]

Love Dmitri Aliev, so talented . I am so with Jonathan on that ) However I would appreciate if Dave would be less sarcastic 🙄 felt slightly annoyed at his comments on Dmitri. Still always interesting to listen to you, guys! 👏👏

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

Yeah, I get that Aliev might not be Dave’s thing but it’s starting to get a little weird how much he’s against Jonathan liking Aliev.

[@elsafrt5540]

I think Stepanova is still a little injured, so maybe that is the reason why their skating is not as grand. I saw them last year in Milan and this year at Bol on ice and they were mesmerizing.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Elsa frt I have seen them before and their patterns and ice coverage were not as big as P/C, V/M or H/D. I do agree that they have so much projection and star quality.

[@meltemt0245]

Dave’s Eteri comments are killing me 😂😂😂😂 love you Dave ❤️✨

[@MrChaseBlue]

Besides the hometown advantage, I think Bradie also led Kaori because she has a one point advantage due to the base values of her jumps, but I did feel they should've been closer in the scoring regardless.

[@mjdecoteau5246]

Already wired from a nail biting Canadian election so why not start the new TSL video at 12:30 am? 🙃❤️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

MJ DeCoteau ❤️❤️❤️ hope the election went well!

[@mjdecoteau5246]

Also, my moment of the week: Dave demonstrating Tracy Wilson’s look in the Kiss & Cry in this video!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

@@mjdecoteau5246 What is your take on our Tracy?!

[@mjdecoteau8631]

@@TheSkatingLesson I love her!!

[@avg18]

I felt withdrawal symptoms without your video 🤣. All is good now. EDIT: Omg Dave, you an I are in synch re: Bradie's dress. I was thinking a deeper red woul look better (maybe a gradient from dark to light) and a better waist line. I think the design idea is good, but can be improved.

[@cyrra8865]

I was in the section right next to you guys!!! I saw the both of you a couple of times afterwards but I was too nervous to say hi lol. Anna really was something else in person. This was the first event I ever attended and I feel so lucky I got to witness her live. It really is so different from seeing it on TV. I found myself really enjoying skaters I was never really invested in.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You should've said hi!

[@cyrra8865]

@@TheSkatingLesson hehe well lets hope I have more courage if i ever see you guys again!!!

[@Eeyora1]

With Amber it’s the eyebrows that distracted me. As for the music choice, I want to see her skating Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett etc...

[@JonathanBickford]

I liked her exhibition to Kelly Clarkson

[@Moronprodutions]

yes! haha i've been refreshing all day

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@josephroberson5414]

I'm rocking with Wakaba til the wheels fall off!!! Y'all just wait. She's gonna be at Worlds.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I would love it!

[@josephroberson5414]

@@TheSkatingLesson She's got the juice when she's on *Lizzo voice* And yes, she should bring back Skyfall..in the 2022 season.

[@TheSaintbx]

I saw Jonathan in the Orleans gift shop but alas! Again too nervous to say hi. Vegas brought out a more fun exciting side to the competition and I thought it was a great event! Met many of my favorite skaters.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

No need to be nervous!!

[@Eeyora1]

Anna is beginning to remind of Oksana Baiul as far as skating style.

[@benbailey159bb]

Petting the dog to show humanity . . . ROFLMAO

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Ben Bailey truth

[@biari8599]

I wonder how the dog felt lol, doggies have their instincts as everyone knows and can sense stuff like that ;D

[@skatefan9495]

I read that Nathan's mother made his colorful shirt. Nathan said it was not his final costume.

[@Eeyora1]

Bradie looked like Rockette from The Radio City Christmas Spectacular in her short dress.

[@maymurakami2334]

Sorry, her first movements in her FP were like seeing a goose trying some ballet steps . Judges were very generous, to say the least

[@kdcm6690]

Eteri the queen maker!

[@taylorpowers3401]

was there a fan cam of Anna in the kiss and cry looking lost after her team left her???

[@freeradical3592]

My moment of the week was I felt in the ladies short everyone skated like their lives depended on it. They were going HARD after it...for better (Wakaba) or worse (Eunsoo)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It was so exciting in person!

[@bettybleu12]

I really don’t think under rotations are a big deal. It never was Pre IJS. If people can prerotate, then how is that any different. As long as they don’t 2 foot or get a downgrade, I personally think a delayed rotation such as Lu Chen are very cool. Karen Chen’s version is to delayed but when landed well. Katia’s delayed twist with Sergei as well.

[@bettybleu12]

Oh, btw, Korean pronunciation and spelling of Eun Soo’s last name is “I’m” without the L. Just as my last name in English is Lee, but in Korean, it is spelled and pronounced “Ee”. Weird how when your last name is required a consonant in English. I know you guys are sticklers for correct pronunciations and are amazing with accents. Just FYI. 😉 So the announcer for once was ironically correct with Eun Soo but shamefully not with Dmitri Aliev

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you. Very interesting.

[@bettybleu12]

TheSkatingLesson wow! I got a reply for TSL. I am so honored. I may be pushing it but if I may correct one more Korean pronunciation, Yuna Km is actually pronounced Yuna, with the “u” like a short U, like “Um” or “Umbrella. I know everyone who speaks English pronounced like you but they are wrong. I did overhear Brian Orser pronounce it right in a practice run. Your comments on Braddie’s costume and HD are hilarious. 😂

[@TheSkatingLesson]

adriana lee you are up going against years of every English speaker pronouncing it the other way, but I will try my best to remember. It is very ingrained.

[@bettybleu12]

TheSkatingLesson no worries! As long as Eun Soo remains one of your daughters, you can call Lim Yuna Lee however you’re want. 😊❤️🙌

[@bettybleu12]

Besides no one will know who you’re referring to if you did pronounce Yuna correctly. Just stay true to your cheeky funny honest comments, and I’ll follow you forever!

[@lenamiura9223]

FYI Jonathan (without getting into too many details) given the recent political events in HK, having an athlete switch over from HK to China for the olympics sounds like a bit of a scary idea

[@JohnnyOpera1]

Lena Miura I agree.

[@SaintHaHaLOLZ]

11:55 every "Just kidding" is based on mostly truth. Let's be honest Jonathan, we ALL agree with the "who".

[@bingsun2226]

U guys r obsessed with eteri and danii lol (in a negative way)

[@taylorpowers3401]

lol you don't understand

[@bettybleu12]

Also, why don’t they display the choreographer with the skaters names and music. I care more about who the choreographer is than the coach.

[@bonnie9131]

The Skating Lesson is value added! You are the best. Here is a suggestion: since costumes are always a hot topic it would be interesting to invite notable skating costume designers to share their insights on their art form. I think it would be fitting (sorry I couldn't resist).

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We have interviewed several on the show! Check out our past interviews Lisa McKinnon, Brad Griffies, Nick Verrios and Lauren Sheehan.

[@bonnie9131]

@@TheSkatingLesson Another example of doing what you do so well.

[@userbunny14]

Totally feeling the same way as you with Elizaveta! People keep complaining, and I'm like... but she's slow! Slow and boring! Her footwork and spins are sloppy, her arms are sloppy, she's just not doing what she needs to do anymore at the level she's needing to do it.

[@sadakolydon6179]

Elizaveta needs CHOREO and transitions, difficult entries, different jump combinations, and last but not least different kind of music. Tbh she needs more than a 3A to improve her skating.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I agree.

[@goldburnm]

I feel like you hadn't mentioned Michael Shanley in weeks and I was worried. I'm a creature of habit. I'm glad he's well and attended the event.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

He was very excited to see Eteri in real life.

[@felicialovesnkotb]

I'm living for Jonathan's curls

[@TheSkatingLesson]

They look great!

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

14:50 you mean the songs that makes skaters put on a constipated face to try to emote their "pain"?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Michelle Evans 💯

[@Trixy98]

It's a new season you guys! How about a new intro?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Trixy98 you may get your wish very soon.

[@JonathanBickford]

Amber has wonderful qualities. Her jumps are big and she has great flexibility. Maybe she needs a coaching or environment change.

[@gtestkey]

Interestingly you seem to be the only people who liked Stepanova-Bukhin's short program. Everyone I heard of thought that was a mess and I agree. Especially their costumes, they looked so heavy and weird. Averbukch been commentating live on TV and he said this super heavy back part of Stepanova's dress was just distracting. And what on earth did they do with her hair?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

The people sitting near us loved their RD!